Antonio Caban Vále (El Topo)
Visual Art – Pedro Brull
- Title background picture: Standing proudly on the coast of Old San Juan, El Morro (Castillo San Felipe del Morro) is one of Puerto Rico’s most iconic landmarks. Built in the 16th century to defend the island from seaborne attacks, this majestic fortress reflects Puerto Rico’s rich history and resilience. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, El Morro has witnessed centuries of cultural exchange, conflict, and evolution, making it a symbol of Puerto Rican heritage and strength in the face of adversity.
Puerto Rico is a vibrant mosaic of cultures, where the influences of Indigenous Taíno heritage, Spanish colonial history, and African traditions merge to create a dynamic and unique cultural identity. Beyond music, Puerto Rico thrives as a center of artistic expression, with a flourishing visual arts scene, literary accomplishments, and colorful festivals that celebrate its deep-rooted traditions and evolving modern influences. From the rhythmic beats of the coquí in the rainforest to the expressive strokes of street murals in San Juan, Puerto Rico’s cultural tapestry tells a story of creativity, resilience, and pride.
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MUSIC: 'Verde Luz' - Antonio Caban Valestream music
Composer
Antonio Cabán Vale (1942-2024), affectionately known as “El Topo,” is a beloved Puerto Rican singer-songwriter and poet who played a key role in the Nueva Trova movement. His music is deeply intertwined with the island’s cultural and political identity, often expressing themes of love, freedom, and the Puerto Rican spirit. One of his most famous songs, Verde Luz, is an anthem of longing and nostalgia, evoking the beauty of Puerto Rico and the yearning for its natural landscape. With its evocative imagery of “green light” reflecting the island’s lush greenery, the song resonates deeply with Puerto Ricans both on the island and in the diaspora. Verde Luz has become a symbol of cultural pride, a tribute to the island’s natural beauty, and a testament to the enduring love for Puerto Rico.
Musician
Sam Desmet – classical guitarist from Belgium, known for blending tradition with innovation, using music to explore and celebrate cultural diversity through collaborations with artists from various disciplines.
Song Lyrics
Verde Luz
Verde luz de monte y mar,
isla virgen del coral,
si me ausento de tus playas primorosas, si me alejo de tus palmas silenciosas, quiero volver, quiero volver.
A sentir la tibia arena
a dormir en tus riberas,
isla mía, flor cautiva,
para ti quiero tener.
Libre tu cielo,
sola tu estrella
isla doncella, quiero tener,
verde luz de monte y mar.
Green Light
Green light of mountain and sea
Virgin Coral Island
If I am absent from your misty beaches, If I move away from your silent palms I want to go back, I want to come back.
To feel the warm sand
To sleep on your banks
My island, captive flower
For you I want to have
Free your heaven
Only your star
Maiden Island, I want to have
Green light of mountain and sea
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Thank you!
I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who made this project possible
To United Arts of Central Florida, thank you for believing in me as an artist and awarding me the Community Project Grant that brought this vision to life. I am also profoundly grateful to the talented composers, arrangers, and visual artists who have enriched this journey with their creativity and dedication. To my mentors, colleagues, and the audiences who support and inspire me, your belief in this project means the world.
A special thanks to my wife Elizabeth and daughter Layna. Your unwavering support and belief in me, especially when challenges seemed insurmountable, have been my foundation. This project wouldn’t exist without you standing by my side every step of the way.